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9-Nights Signature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District - National Geographic Signature from $11,599
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688239
Signature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District
Traverse the majestic Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes on iconic rail journeys. Witness the marvel of mountain engineering as you glide past snow-capped peaks and secluded villages. Absorb the pioneering spirit of early mountaineers and explore the historic villas and islands dotting Lake Maggiore. Immerse yourself in the region's culture, absorbing the grand spectacle of this Alpine wonderland.
Highlights
Enjoy a spectacular early-morning ride through Alpine valleys travelling in comfort into the Italian-speaking area, Enjoy an exclusive post-closure talk with the Museum Director detailing the mountain's history and first ascent, Learn to prepare fresh pasta inside the historic Rocca di Angera castle followed by a wine tasting, Gain insight into Alpine art and landscapes during a curator-led tour of the Segantini Museum in St. Moritz, Take a private walking tour of the Borromeo Villa on Isola Bella followed by an exquisite farewell dinner with spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.
Group Leader
All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 22.
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
What's Included
Signature Moment: Matterhorn Museum After-Hours Visit, Zermatt
Signature Moment: Segantini Museum, St. Moritz
Your Foodie Moment: Chocolate Making Demonstration, St.
Moritz
Your Foodie Moment: Rocca di Angera Cooking Class, Angera.
Arrival and Departure Transfer. Lucerne Walking Tour. Gornergrat Visit. Expert-led alpine walk from Riffelalp. Expedition Leader Walk of Zermatt. Cable Car to Furi. Gondola to Glacier Paradise. Glacier Express to St Moritz. Muottas Muragl Funicular. Confectionary shop Lecture and Chocolate Making Demonstration. Bernina Pass Train Ride. Cruise to Villa del Balbianello with Tour. Expedition Leader Led Walk of Bellagio. Rocca di Angera Cooking Class. Walking Tour of Isola Madra. Walking Tour of Borremeo Villa. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader.
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
9 nights from $11,599 per person
G Adventures: Signature: Iconic Trains of Switzerland & Italy's Lake District
Day 1: Zürich/Lucerne
Welcome to Switzerland. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Zurich, greeted by the fresh mountain air of the Swiss Alps. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Lucerne. In the evening, meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader for an introduction to your journey along with a welcome reception and short presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert before dinner.
Day 2: Lucerne/Zermatt
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful city of Lucerne on a walking tour, strolling the waterfront and admiring the historic and majestic architecture. Continue by train deep into the Alps to the car-free village of Zermatt, lying below the iconic and imposing peak of the Matterhorn. In the evening, discover local cuisine on a walking tapas tour and sample some of the region’s delicacies like Switzerland’s ubiquitous fondue, while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic alpine village.
Day 3: Zermatt
Gather for a discussion about the natural history of the region and how climbers have been attracted to this area since the late 1800s, then board the Gornergrat train. This electric cogwheel railway is a true marvel of engineering–ascending to the heart of the mountains at 3100m (10,171ft), offering continuous, breathtaking views of the Matterhorn. Descend the mountain by train with an option to walk part of the way then enjoy some free time in the village before regrouping in the evening for a private, after-hours visit to the Matterhorn Museum. Engage in an exclusive talk with the Museum Director, detailing the history of mountaineering and the dramatic story of the first ascent by Edward Whymper. This unique access provides deep context into the human desire to conquer these rugged peaks.
Day 4: Zermatt
Join your Expedition Leader this morning on a short walking tour through the village of Zermatt on the way to the cable car station. Travel along the multi-stage cable car route, ascending from the valley to Glacier Paradise at the top of Klein Matterhorn, Europe's highest cable car station. At 3,883m or 12,740ft, the crisp air accentuates the magnificent views of the surrounding glacier-glazed peaks. Descend to the quaint village of Furi for lunch, savouring traditional rösti in a spectacular setting. You can choose to return to Zermatt by gondola or take a scenic hike down into the village, traversing well-maintained trails while soaking in the mountain scenery..
Day 5: Zermatt/St. Moritz
Take a seat on the world-famous Glacier Express and set off on a breathtaking journey along a true marvel of rail engineering. The train gracefully traverses three high-mountain passes, across 291 bridges, and through 91 tunnels. Soak up magnificent vistas of skyscraping, glacier-glazed peaks, feeling the constant motion of this elegant rail journey into the Upper Engadin Valley. Disembark in St. Moritz, the birthplace of winter tourism, and settle into your hotel. The evening is at leisure, allowing you to explore the chic Alpine village or relax in the cosy surroundings of your hotel.
Day 6: St. Moritz
Stroll to the nearby Sagantini Museum for a private tour with the museum’s curator to learn about and peruse the works of alpine artist Giovanni Sagantini–then take a funicular to the top of Muottas Muragl to admire the breathtaking landscapes that Segantini once painted. Back in St. Moritz, visit a local patisserie for an exclusive chocolate tasting and short demonstration, linking the famous Swiss chocolate tradition to the region's rich cultural history. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner in town.
Day 7: St. Moritz/Lago Maggiore
Board the Bernina Pass train for a spectacular early-morning ride, travelling in comfort through the Alpine valleys to the town of Poschiavo, then cross into Italy by coach, to the shores of iconic Lake Como. In the early afternoon, take a private boat to the Villa del Balbianello for a tour of the beautiful terraced gardens and of the elegant villa itself, noted for its appearance in several major films. Continue by boat to scenic Bellagio for a short walking tour and some free time before transferring to your hotel on Lake Maggiore.
Day 8: Lago Maggiore
Meet this morning for a discussion about the natural history of the Italian Lake district and how it has attracted settlers over the years, resulting in the area’s lavish and elegant villas. Next, travel to Rocca di Angera castle for a unique culinary experience. Participate in a cooking class inside the historic castle, learning how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch and concluding with a special lunch, enjoying your prepared pasta with cured meats, cheeses, and local wine. You’ll then have time to explore the castle's famous Doll and Toy Museum and the serene Medieval Garden before returning to the Lago Maggiore area for a free afternoon and evening.
Day 9: Lago Maggiore
Explore the jewels of Lake Maggiore today — the enchanting Borromean Islands. Board a private boat for a picturesque ride across the lake to Isola Madre, for a guided tour of the elegant Palazzo. Next, head to Isola dei Pescatori for some free time to discover the charming atmosphere of this small island. Tonight, the expedition culminates in an unforgettable farewell dinner on picturesque Isola Bella. You’ll first take a sunset cruise to the island, enjoying an aperitif on a veranda overlooking the lake before a private dinner in the historic Villa, celebrating the end of your magnificent exploration of the Swiss Alps and Italian Lakes.
Day 10: Lago Maggiore
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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Swain's Travel, Inc.
35 Old South Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
USA
(508) 228-3201